U.S. patent number 7,777,719 [Application Number 11/624,851] was granted by the patent office on 2010-08-17 for system using a living body as a transmission medium.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Nokia Corporation. Invention is credited to Zhuyan Zhao.
United States Patent |
7,777,719 |
Zhao |
August 17, 2010 |
System using a living body as a transmission medium
Abstract
A system for enabling communication between a portable computing
device and a stationary computer. A user may wear the portable
computing device while simultaneously using a pointing device
coupled to the stationary computing device. The pointing device may
be, for example, a mouse coupled to the computer via a wired USB
connection and operated on top of a mouse pad. The mouse may
further include at least two electrodes. A first electrode may
couple to the user's hand while moving the mouse on the mouse pad.
The second electrode may be coupled to the mouse pad, which may
include a conductive surface that contacts with the second
electrode. These electrodes couple electronically to electrodes in
the portable computing device, forming a bidirectional link for
exchanging information between the two devices.
Inventors: |
Zhao; Zhuyan (Beijing,
CN) |
Assignee: |
Nokia Corporation (Espoo,
FI)
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Family
ID: |
39640746 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/624,851 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2007 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20080174554 A1 |
Jul 24, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
345/156; 345/163;
345/157 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F
3/011 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09G
5/00 (20060101); G09G 5/08 (20060101); G06F
3/033 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;345/156,157,163
;463/36,37 ;341/33 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0843425 |
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Mar 2003 |
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EP |
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2006054211 |
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May 2006 |
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WO |
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Other References
Shinagawa et al., "A Near-Field-Sensing Transceiver for Intra-body
Communication Based on the Electro-Optic Effect", NTT Microsystems
Integration Laboratories, NTT DoCoMo Multimedia Laboratories,
Kanagawa, Japan, IEEE 7-7803-7705-2/03, 2003, pp. 296-301. cited by
other .
Fukomoto et al., "A Broad-band Intrabody Communication System with
Electro-Optic Probe", NTT DoCoMo Multimedia Laboratories, NTT
Microsystems Integration Laboratories, First International
Conference on Appliance Design, Kanagawa-ken, Japan, 2003, pp.
107-108. cited by other .
Post et al., "Intrabody Buses for Data and Power", Physics and
Media MIT Media Laboratory, Cambridge, MA 02142, IEEE
0-8186-8192-6/97, 1997, pp. 52-55. cited by other .
Zimmerman, "Personal Area Networks (PAN): Near-Field Intra-Body
Communication", Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sep. 1995,
pp. 1-81. cited by other .
Patridge et al., "Empirical Measurements of Intrabody Communication
Performance Under Varied Physical Configurations", University of
Washington, Seattle, WA, Nov. 11-14, 2001, pp. 183-190. cited by
other .
Ruiz et al., "Propagation Characteristics of Intra-Body
Communications for Body Area Networks", Graduate School of Global
Information and Telecommunication Studies, Waseda University,
Tokyo, Japan, IEEE 1-4244-0086-4/06, 2006, pp. 509-513. cited by
other .
Hachisuka et al., "Simplified Circuit Modeling and Fabrication of
Intrabody Communication Devices", Graduate School of Frontier
Scientes, The University of Tokyo, Japan, Research Center for
Frontier Medical Engineering, Chiba University Japan, IEEE
0-7803-8952-2/05, 2005, pp. 461-464. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Shalwala; Bipin
Assistant Examiner: Spar; Ilana
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell,
LLP
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A method, comprising: detecting physical contact between the
hand of a user and a first electrode of at least two electrodes on
a body portion of a pointing device, the pointing device being
further coupled to a computing device; transmitting an
initialization message to the pointing device through the first
electrode of the at least two electrodes, the first electrode being
in physical contact with the hand of the user; receiving a
confirmation message from the pointing device establishing a
communication link through a second electrode of the at least two
electrodes, the second electrode being in physical contact with a
conductive surface; and communicating information over the
communication link by sending information through the first
electrode and receiving information from the second electrode,
wherein the pointing device converts the received information to a
communication medium suitable for the computing device.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pointing device is a computer
mouse communicating with the computing device via a wired
connection utilizing USB communication.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the initialization message is
transmitted from a portable computing device also coupled to the
body of the user through an electrode.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the initialization message
includes at least a request to set up a communication link through
inter-body communication (IBC).
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second electrode is in
contact with a conductive planar surface on which the pointing
device is moved in order to actuate a cursor on the computing
device.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein a portable computing device worn
by the user is also coupled to the conductive planar surface
through an electrode in order to communicate with the second
electrode.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first electrode is the
receiving electrode and the second electrode is the sending
electrode.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein communicating information
includes communicating at least device identification information
and a memory map from a portable computing device coupled to the
user.
9. A computer program product comprising computer executable
program code recorded on a computer readable storage medium, the
computer executable program code comprising: code for detecting
physical contact between the hand of a user and a first electrode
of at least two electrodes on a body portion of a pointing device,
the pointing device being further coupled to a computing device;
code for transmitting an initialization message to the pointing
device through the first electrode of the at least two electrodes,
the first electrode being in physical contact with the hand of the
user; code for receiving a confirmation message from the pointing
device establishing a communication link through a second electrode
of the at least two electrodes, the second electrode being in
physical contact with a conductive surface; and code for
communicating information over the communication link by sending
information through the first electrode and receiving information
from the second electrode, wherein the pointing device converts the
received information to a communication medium suitable for the
computing device.
10. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the pointing
device is a computer mouse communicating with the computing device
via a wired connection utilizing USB communication.
11. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the
initialization message is transmitted from a portable computing
device also coupled to the user through an electrode.
12. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the
initialization message includes at least a request to set up a
communication link through inter-body communication (IBC).
13. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the second
electrode is in contact with a conductive planar surface on which
the pointing device is moved in order to actuate a cursor on the
computing device.
14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein a portable
computing device worn by the user is also coupled to the conductive
planar surface through an electrode in order to communicate with
the second electrode.
15. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein the first
electrode is the receiving electrode and the second electrode is
the sending electrode.
16. The computer program product of claim 9, wherein communicating
information includes communicating at least device identification
information and a memory map from a portable computing device
coupled to the user.
17. A device, comprising: a body and a strap for coupling the
device to the wrist of a user; the body further including a
computing section and a user interface; the strap and/or body
further including at least two electrodes, the at least two
electrodes being disposed to electronically couple the device to
the wrist of the user and to a conductive surface through physical
contact between at least one of the at least two electrodes and the
wrist of the user, as well as through physical contact between at
least one other electrode of the at least two electrodes and the
conductive surface.
18. The device of claim 17, wherein the computing section further
includes at least a processor, memory and one or more communication
interfaces.
19. The device of claim 18, wherein at least one communication
interface is enabled to transmit and receive electronic messages
through inter-body communication.
20. The device of claim 17, wherein the user interface includes at
least a video display and controls enabling a user to control the
device.
21. A method, comprising: receiving an initialization message from
a portable computing device coupled through the hand of a user to a
first electrode of at least two electrodes on a body portion of a
pointing device, the first electrode being in physical contact with
the hand of the user; sending a confirmation message to the
portable computing device establishing the connection through a
second electrode of the at least two electrodes, the second
electrode being in physical contact with a conductive surface; and
communicating information to the portable computing device by
receiving information through the first electrode in the pointing
device and sending information from the second electrode in the
pointing device, wherein the pointing device converts the received
information to a communication medium suitable for the portable
computing device.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the pointing device is used to
actuate a cursor on a display of the computing device.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the pointing device is a
computer mouse communicating with a computing device via a wired
connection utilizing USB communication.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the initialization message
includes at least a request to set up a communication link through
inter-body communication (IBC).
25. The method of claim 21, wherein the second electrode is in
contact with a conductive planar surface on which the pointing
device is moved in order to actuate a cursor on the computing
device.
26. The method of claim 25, wherein the portable computing device
is also coupled to the conductive planar surface through an
electrode in order to communicate with the second electrode.
27. The method of claim 21, wherein the first electrode is the
sending electrode and the second electrode is the receiving
electrode.
28. The method of claim 21, wherein communicating information
includes communicating at least device identification information
and a memory map from a portable computing device coupled to the
user.
29. A computer program product comprising computer executable
program code recorded on a computer readable storage medium, the
computer executable program code comprising: code for receiving an
initialization message from a portable computing device coupled
through the hand of a user to a first electrode of at least two
electrodes on a body portion of a pointing device, the first
electrode being in physical contact with the hand of the user; code
for sending a confirmation message to the portable computing device
establishing the connection through a second electrode of the at
least two electrodes, the second electrode being in physical
contact with a conductive surface; and code for communicating
information to the portable computing device by receiving
information through the first electrode in the pointing device and
sending information from the second electrode in the pointing
device, wherein the pointing device converts the received
information to a communication medium suitable for the portable
computing device.
30. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the pointing
device is used to actuate a cursor on a display of the computing
device.
31. The computer program product of claim 30, wherein the pointing
device is a computer mouse communicating with a computing device
via a wired connection utilizing USB communication.
32. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the
initialization message includes at least a request to set up a
communication link through inter-body communication (IBC).
33. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the second
electrode is in contact with a conductive planar surface on which
the pointing device is moved in order to actuate a cursor on the
computing device.
34. The computer program product of claim 33, wherein the portable
computing device is also coupled to the conductive planar surface
through an electrode in order to communicate with the second
electrode.
35. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein the first
electrode is the sending electrode and the second electrode is the
receiving electrode.
36. The computer program product of claim 29, wherein communicating
information includes communicating at least device identification
information and a memory map from a portable computing device
coupled to the user.
37. A pointing device, comprising: a body and a cord coupling the
pointing device to a stationary computing device; the body further
including control buttons, a sensor for interpreting motion and at
least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being disposed to
electronically couple the device to the hand of a user and to a
conductive surface through physical contact between at least one of
the at least two electrodes and the wrist of the user, as well as
through physical contact between at least one other electrode of
the at least two electrodes and the conductive surface.
38. The pointing device of claim 37, wherein, the buttons are
situated on the pointing device so that they may be actuated by the
fingers of a user when operating the pointing device.
39. The pointing device of claim 37, wherein the sensor for
interpreting motion resides on the bottom of the pointing device
for sensing when the pointing device is moved.
40. The pointing device of claim 37, wherein at least one electrode
is situated on the bottom of the pointing device to couple to a
conductive planar surface on which the pointing device is moved
when being operated by the user.
41. The pointing device of claim 37, further comprising a control
section, the control section including at least a USB interface
section, a inter-body communication interface section, and a
pointing device input control section, wherein the a inter-body
communication interface section and the pointing device input
control section are electronically coupled to the USB interface
section.
42. A system, comprising: a portable computing device coupled to
the arm of a user, the portable computing device comprising at
least a body, a strap and at least two electrodes; a stationary
computing device; and a pointing device coupled to the stationary
computing device, the pointing device comprising at least two
electrodes; the portable computing device sensing, through at least
one of the two electrodes in the portable computing device, an
electrical coupling to the pointing device; the portable computing
device further transmitting an initialization message to the
pointing device through a first electrode of the at least two
electrodes in the portable computing device, the first electrode
being in physical contact with the hand of the user; the pointing
device receiving the initialization message through an electrode of
the at least two electrodes in the pointing device that is contact
with the user, and further sending a confirmation message back to
the portable computing device through a second electrode of the at
least two electrodes in the pointing device, the second electrode
being in physical contact with a conductive planar surface; the
portable computing device further receiving the confirmation
message from the pointing device and establishing a communication
link through a second electrode of the at least two electrodes in
the portable computing device, the second electrode being in
physical contact with the conductive planar surface; and the
portable computing device further communicating information for the
stationary computing device over the communication link by sending
information through the first electrode and receiving information
from the second electrode, wherein the pointing device converts the
received information to a communication medium suitable for the
computing device.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a system for conveying information
between electronic devices, and more specifically, to a system for
establishing a link between an electronic device worn on a living
body and another electronic device using the living body as a
communication medium.
2. Description of Prior Art
Technological development is driven by many factors. One very
dominant factor is the desires of the consumers in the marketplace.
For example, many consumers desire that electronic devices continue
to shrink while not surrendering any functionality. The effort to
meet this need is evident in the trend to consolidate devices. For
example, devices previously utilized for a single purpose such as
cellular telephones, electronic address organizers, schedulers,
digital music players, wristwatches, etc. are now being
consolidated into flexible multipurpose devices. While these
devices may encompass many functions, including some functions not
previously available in a portable device, the first generation of
these devices were larger than pocket-sized and power-hungry,
leaving the consumer market still yearning for a better solution.
These portable devices were functional, but they were not
convenient due to their awkward bulkiness and burdensome charging
requirements. As a result, there continues to be a desire to shrink
these multifunction devices, as well as making them more
efficient.
As developers continue to reduce device form-factor, new problems
become apparent. While reduced-size devices may be convenient to
carry, functional problems may negate the benefits realized in
having the device on-hand. For example, a device the size of a
wristwatch may be enabled to tell time and include other desirable
functionality such as being able to store and retrieve personal
and/or business related information such as music, contacts,
appointments and other data files. These secondary functions would
necessarily require the communication of information to and from
the wristwatch-type device. Some method of communication would
therefore be required in order to download and/or upload files, for
example, digital music files for a music player or application
information for synchronization. The problem then becomes apparent
as how to best convey this information to another device.
The most basic solution for inter-device communication is a wired
connection. The problems with using a wire to couple a portable
computing device (e.g., the previously discussed wristwatch-sized
multifunction device) are obvious. Hard connections require sockets
or plugs in the device, exposing delicate electronics to the
outside environment and jeopardizing the device if, for example, it
is exposed to water or dust. Additional hardware will be needed. A
connection cable is not something that a person wants to carry
around. Therefore, a user may not be able to utilize a computer to
interact with their device in a certain location if they are
without the proper connection cable. In addition, the connection
cable may have to be custom due to the size constraints of small
devices, necessitating the purchase of an extra wire or cable and
adding extra expense to the device. Finally, a hard connection
requires a user to be tethered to a stationary device (e.g.,
desktop computer), which may result in impeded movement and
possible damage. Removing the device is an option (e.g., a docking
station), however, this may be expensive and inconvenient for the
user, possibly resulting in the device being left behind.
The aforementioned inconveniences required in wired communication
have led to the proliferation of devices that may communicate via
wireless communication. Mediums such as Bluetooth.TM., Wibree.TM.,
WUSB, etc. may be utilized to communicate synchronization or other
information via a wireless connection. The wireless exchange of
information may be preferred over wired communication because no
additional equipment (e.g., a connecting cable) is required and
therefore, a user does not have to be physically tethered to a
computer. However, as portable computing devices continue to
shrink, new problems may arise with wireless communication.
Initially, a device must include hardware to support wireless
communication. The hardware may include at least a chipset
supporting wireless communication and an antenna. The chipset may
comprise a wireless modem along with other resources supporting
message conversion (e.g., packetizing), routing, quality, security
and possibly traffic control in order to manage wireless
communication. These resources require power and space, two
commodities that may be scarce in a device as small as a
wristwatch. In view of these limitations, smaller portable
computing devices may be forced to operate under extremely low
power conditions with a small antenna, limiting the effective range
of the device and enhancing the effect of environmental factors on
the quality of the signal. Further, supposing that the wireless
communication would have to be somewhat simplified due to the
aforementioned space and power limitations, there may not be
adequate support for strong encryption security in the wireless
communication, exposing the device to predators (e.g.,
man-in-the-middle attacks).
In consideration of these problems, a more power, space and
security efficient system of communication is required for at least
the emerging category of ultra-low power portable computing
devices. The system should make use of mediums of transmission that
are both low power and secure, while not having to couple or tether
a portable computing device to another computing device via a
special cable. Further, the system should not have to require the
removal of any portable device worn on the body in order to conduct
communications.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
The present invention includes at least a system and method for
facilitating the electronic conveyance of data between devices. In
an exemplary situation where at least one computing device may be
worn by a user and another computing device to which communication
is desired remains stationary, the present invention may use the
body of the user as a transmission medium for sending data in at
least one direction in a bidirectional link between the devices.
Communication in the other direction may be conducted through a
separate medium.
In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention, a user may wear a portable computing device, like a
multifunction wristwatch, while simultaneously using a pointing
device coupled to a stationary computing device. The pointing
device may be, for example, a computer mouse coupled to a desktop
or laptop computer via a wired USB connection. The user may move a
cursor on the screen of the stationary computing device by moving
the computer mouse on a mouse pad. The exemplary computer mouse may
further include at least two electrodes. A first electrode may
electronically couple the computer mouse to the hand of the user
while a user is operating the device. The second electrode may
electronically couple the computer mouse to the mouse pad, which
may allow the mouse to slide easily but also may include a
conductive surface that is in contact with the second
electrode.
In addition, the portable computing device worn by the user may
also include at least two electrodes. For example, a first
electrode may touch the skin of the user, and a second electrode
may be configured to be electronically coupled to the mouse pad
when the user is utilizing the computer mouse to control the
stationary computing device with the hand/arm wearing the portable
communication device.
In at least one scenario, when the user's hand touches the
electrode on the computer mouse, a one-way communication route is
formed through the skin of the user which forms an inter-body
communication circuit. Then, when the user's wrist comes to rest on
the mouse pad, a second one-way connection may be formed between
the secondary electrodes on the computer mouse and the portable
communication device coming into contact with the conductive mouse
pad. In this manner, a bidirectional connection may be formed
between the devices, establishing a communication link through
which information may be exchanged.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The invention will be further understood from the following
detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken in
conjunction with appended drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 discloses an exemplary portable computing device coupled to
a user's arm, wherein the hand/arm is further being employed to
manipulate a pointing device on a conductive planar surface in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 2 discloses a side view schematic of an exemplary portable
computing device coupled to a user's arm, wherein the hand/arm is
further being employed to manipulate a pointing device on a
conductive planar surface in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 discloses a schematic and functional view of an exemplary
pointing device usable with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 discloses a schematic and functional view of an exemplary
portable computing device usable with at least one embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 5 discloses a schematic view of an exemplary planar surface
usable with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 discloses a functional diagram of a stationary computing
device, a pointing device and a portable computing device
interacting in accordance with at least one embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 7 discloses an exemplary equivalent circuit model of an
inter-body communication circuit usable with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8A discloses an exemplary communication schematic for
connection establishment and link disconnection between a
stationary computing device and a portable computing device in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 8B discloses an exemplary communication schematic for
conveying files between a stationary computing device and a
portable computing device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9A discloses a flow chart for communications between a
stationary computing device and a portable computing device in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 9B discloses an exemplary IBC pilot signal in accordance with
at least one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 discloses an exemplary alternative mode on operation for
the portable computing device in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
While the invention has been described in preferred embodiments,
various changes can be made therein without departing from the
spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the appended
claims.
I. Overview of the Components of the Present Invention
The present invention may be utilized to convey information between
a device worn on the body and a stationary computing device. The
information may be conveyed in a bidirectional manner. One
direction may be provided via inter-body communication (IBC), while
the other direction may be facilitated via an external conductive
link. The combination of these two communication routes may allow
the portable device to form a low power connection with the
stationary computer that is immune to both environmental factors
and predatory attacks.
FIG. 1 discloses an exemplary scenario, wherein the hand 100 of a
user is being used to manipulate pointing device 110. Portable
computing device 130 is further coupled to the same arm as user
hand 100. The pointing device is further coupled to a stationary
computing device (not shown) through cable 120. The pointing device
is disposed on a planar surface 140. User hand 100 may manipulate
pointing device 100 on planar surface 140 in order to control a
cursor on the display of the stationary computing device. As is
well known in the art, moving the pointing device on planar surface
140 may cause the cursor to move in the same direction on the
display of the stationary computing device at a proportional rate
of speed.
FIG. 1 further demonstrates an example of data flow in accordance
with at least one embodiment of the present invention. Information
150 may be transferred from portable computing device 130 to
pointing device 110 through the body of the user, and then on to
the stationary computing device through cord 120. Likewise,
information 160 may be transferred from the stationary computer
over cable 120, through pointing device 110 and planar surface 140
to portable computing device 130. It is also foreseeable that this
communication path may be reversed, with portable computing device
130 transmitting data through planar surface 140 and pointing
device 110, and further receiving information via IBC through
pointing device 110.
The interaction between the various components in the system is
further explained in FIG. 2. Here pointing device 110 further
includes at least two electrodes 200 and 202. Electrode 200 may be
coupled to user hand 100 when a user is manipulating pointing
device 110. This may allow portable computing device 130 to send
information (represented by the dotted arrow) through user hand 100
to pointing device 110 via IBC. Electrode 202 may be coupled to
planar surface 140. When user hand 100 is actually in contact with
pointing device 110 (e.g., when the user is operating the pointing
device), the user's wrist may rest on planar surface 140, bringing
electrode 204 into contact with planar surface 140. A conductive
connection may then be established between electrodes 202 and 204
through planar surface 140, allowing information to flow in
accordance with the dotted arrow also shown in FIG. 2.
II. Pointing Device
With reference to FIG. 3, an exemplary pointing device 110 is
disclosed in detail. In this instance, pointing device is disclosed
a computer mouse, however, the pointing device should not be
considered limited only to computer mice. Other computer pointing
devices such as track balls, pen tablets, etc. are also applicable
to the present invention. With this in mind, a computer mouse 110
will be utilized for the sake of explanation in the balance of the
disclosure.
A side view of mouse 110 reveals that the mouse has the customary
features of a computer pointing device. As discussed above, cord
120 may couple mouse 110 to a stationary computer (e.g., desktop or
laptop). Mouse 110 may also include button(s) 300 for initiating
action in the stationary computer. For example, a user may move the
mouse until the cursor points to a file icon, and then actuate
button(s) 300 in order to initiate an action in the stationary
computing device related to the file. Pads 320 are optional
depending on the design of mouse 110, and may be set on the same
level as electrode 210 in order to allow the electrode to contact
planar surface 140 while providing fluid sliding movement for mouse
110. Further, electrode 200 is disposed to provide contact with
user hand 100, and may be disposed on either side or both sides of
mouse 110 to allow for use by both left and right handed
people.
The top view of mouse 110, as shown in lower left corner of FIG. 3,
includes two button(s) 300 as is customary in many PC-based
computers running operating systems such as Microsoft Windows.TM.
or Linux. However, the button(s) 300 configuration may vary
depending on the stationary computer to which connection is
desired. For example, Apple.TM. computers running OS-X.TM. may only
require one button(s) 300. Other controls, such as scroll wheels,
may also be included in mouse 110, but are not shown. Electrode 200
is also seen in the top view. As previously stated, electrode 200
may be disposed on either side or both sides of mouse 110 in order
to accommodate both right and left handed users.
The bottom of mouse 110, as shown in FIG. 3, may include one or
more pads 320 and motion sensor 310 as typically may be found in a
computer mouse. Pads 320 may be made of the same material as the
body of mouse 110 or a different material, and may be disposed on
the bottom of the mouse to aid in sliding mouse 110 across planar
surface 140. Motion sensor 310 may be either electro-mechanical,
such as in the case as a ball-type sensor apparatus, or electronic
as commonly seen in optical mice. Electrode 210 is also shown on
the bottom of mouse 110. This sensor may come into contact with
planar surface 140 in order to convey information between a
stationary computer and portable computing device 130.
A functional diagram of the control aspects of mouse 110 is also
shown in FIG. 3. USB/RS232 interface 330 is shown coupled to cable
120. This interface may convert information from mouse 110 to a
format (e.g., USB or RS232) that may be interpreted by the
stationary computing device. Various other modules may route
information for the stationary computing device through USB/RS232
interface 330. For example, mouse function control module 332
receives information from mouse I/O 332 for interpretation and
transmission to the stationary computing device. Mouse I/O 332 may
include at least motion sensor 310 and one or more button(s) 300.
Mouse function control module 332 may interpret the information
received from Mouse I/O in terms of motion or action, and then
transmit this information to a stationary computer via USB/RS232
interface 330. Mouse 110 may also receive information from (and
convey information to) portable computing device 130 through IBC
interface 336. IBC interface 336 receives information from IBC
contacts 338, and may further convert or format (e.g., packetize)
this information prior to conveyance to the stationary computer
through USB/RS232 interface 330. These contacts may include
electrodes 200 and 210. Likewise, IBC interface 336 may receive
information from the stationary computer through USB/RS232
interface 330, prepare this information for transmission, and then
transmit the information through IBC contacts 338 to portable
computing device 130.
III. Portable Computing Device
FIG. 4 discloses an exemplary portable computing device 130 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
Portable computing device 130 has been shown as a wristwatch-type
multifunction device for the sake of explanation in the disclosure,
however, this embodiment should not be deemed as limiting in scope
to the present invention. Any device that may be similarly employed
to communicate via IBC may usable in the practice of the present
invention. The "SIDE 1" view disclosed in FIG. 4 is similar to the
view previously presented in FIG. 2. A more detailed "SIDE 2" is
now discussed in order to better understand the various elements of
the device. A wristwatch-type portable computing device 130 may
include at least a body 400 and strap 404. The body of the device
may further include controls 402 as a part of an overall user
interface scheme so that a user may issue commands to the device.
Portable computing device 130 may also include at least two
electrodes 406 and 204. Electrode 406 is designed to come into
contact with the wrist of a user when portable computing device 130
is worn. Electrode 204 may come into contact with planar surface
140 when a user is operating mouse 110. In this way, bidirectional
communications may be established when both electrodes 406 and 204
are coupled to electrodes 200 and 210 in mouse 110 through IBC and
planar device 140, respectively.
A top view of portable computing device 130 further reveals that
the user interface may further include display 410. Display 410 may
be, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting
diode display (LED), organic light emitting device (OLED), etc.
Display 410 may display information such as the time and date, an
operating system interface, applications, video programs, etc. In
utilizing the user interface, a user may input commands to portable
computing device 130 through controls 402 in order to implement
actions in the device, the results of which may be seen on display
410. Controls 402 may include buttons, wheels, toggles, joysticks,
touch pads, etc., and may vary depending on the functionality
incorporated into portable computing device 130. The user interface
may also include other indicators such as individual LEDs, and an
audio device such as a speaker, all of which are not shown in FIG.
4.
An example of various functional aspects that may be included in
portable computing device 130 is disclosed in FIG. 4. Processor 412
may receive information from various modules, and in response,
control various aspects of portable computing device 130. Memory
414 may consist of static and/or dynamic memory for storing
instructions, applications, data, files, etc. for use by processor
412. As processor receives inputs through user interface 416 (e.g.,
through controls 402), information in memory 414 may be accessed,
processed and sent to display 410 for presentation to the user.
This presentation may include visual and/or audio playback in the
form of menus, application interfaces, multimedia players, etc. IBC
interface 418 may be used to sense conditions indicating a
connection between portable computing device 130 and another device
is possible, as well as establishing and managing a communication
link to another device. Processes that may occur in IBC interface
418 include various actions that may take place in order to prepare
information for transmission through IBC or through planar surface
140, as well as converting received information for use by portable
computing device 130. Other interfaces 420 may also be used to send
and receive signals from portable computing device 130, and may
include, for example, sensors, wireless communications to other
electronic devices, a wired connection to a stationary computing
device without an IBC enabled pointing device 110, power couplings
for recharging a battery in portable computing device 130, etc.
IV. Planar Surface
FIG. 5 discloses an exemplary planar surface 140 that may be
employed in the practice of at least one embodiment of the present
invention. Planar surface 140, in accordance with the examples
previously set forth, may be a mouse pad usable with mouse 110.
Planar surface 140, however, is not limited to this example and may
also be any planar surface enabled to electrically couple
electrodes in mouse 110 to portable computing device 130.
An exemplary composition of mouse pad 140 is further described in
FIG. 5 to include various functional layers. Surface 500 may be a
conductive layer suitable for electrically coupling electrodes 202
and 204. This surface may also be smooth and pliable in order to
provide a work surface across which a pointing device like mouse
110 may be slid. Support layer 502 may be a soft pliable layer in
order to provide resilient support for mouse 110 and user hand 100.
Foam rubber is an exemplary material that is typically used in
mouse pads, and may add the additional benefit of insulating the
electrical connection formed by surface 500 from other objects in
proximity of mouse pad 140 on a table top or desk. Further, bottom
surface 504 may also be a pliable material, but should also include
some gripping or frictional aspect in order to hold the mouse pad
140 in place while a user is operating mouse 110. Rubber is an
example of a material that may provide the appropriate frictional,
flexibility and insulating properties.
V. System Operation
FIG. 6 is a systemic diagram in accordance with at least one
embodiment of the present invention. A stationary computing device
(e.g., computer 600) may be coupled to and engage in bidirectional
communication 602 with mouse 110. This coupling may occur through
USB/RS232 Interface 330. Mouse 110 may further be coupled to
portable computing device 130 through a bidirectional connection
formed through diverse mediums. IBC interface 336 may send and
receive information through electrodes 200 and 210. Electrode 200
may be electrically coupled to electrode 406 through IBC connection
100. Electrode 210 may likewise be electrically coupled to
electrode 204 through mouse pad 140. Electrodes 406 and 204 may
then send and receive information through IBC interface 418 located
in the body 400 of portable communication device 130.
In configuring the present invention, certain values may require
computation related to the transmission properties of the various
communication mediums. FIG. 7 discloses an exemplary equivalent
circuit model representing a communication loop usable with at
least one embodiment of the present invention. Applying the
previously discussed system components to this model, mouse 110,
including electrodes 200 and 210, and portable computing device
130, including electrodes 406 and 204, may be coupled together.
Electrodes 200 and 406 are coupled via an IBC connection. Using the
human body as a conductor imparts a horizontal impedance element of
the skin (Za) 700, a vertical impedance element of the skin (Zb)
702 and a secondary vertical impedance element of the skin (Zc) 704
to the model. The electrodes 210 and 204 are coupled via mouse pad
140, therefore, the impedance related to this connection is near
zero. Using these values, the transmission gain of the inter-body
transmission (G) may be derived using the equation also shown in
FIG. 7. As a result, An appropriate power requirement may then be
determined for either device when transmitting communication
signals using IBC.
FIG. 8A discloses an exemplary communication establishment diagram
in accordance with at least one embodiment of the present
invention. In this example, a user is wearing portable computing
device 130 ("wristwatch") on the same arm as the hand used to
operate a pointing device 110 ("mouse") which is further coupled to
a stationary computer ("PC") 600. Initially, wristwatch 130 may
detect a connection has been formed with mouse 110 and send an
electronic setup request ("IBC setup request") to mouse 110. This
detection may occur in various ways. For example, mouse 110 may
periodically send a beacon signal through one or both of electrodes
200 and 210, which would be detectable by wristwatch 130 when a
conductive connection is made. Alternatively, wristwatch 130 could
periodically transmit a beacon signal and await a reply from mouse
110.
When mouse 110 receives the connection request, a reply message
granting the setup ("IBC setup grant") may be returned to
wristwatch 130. The setup grant completes the communication loop,
and confirms that a bidirectional communication has been
established to wristwatch 130. The wristwatch may then confirm the
success of the connection setup ("IBC setup succeed") to mouse 110.
In this message, wristwatch 130 may also include identifying
information and security information that may be required by PC
600. This information may include a device identification, user
identification, device type/manufacturer identification, password
information, etc. Some or all of this information may be forwarded
by mouse 110 to PC 600 ("IBC device connection report"). PC 600 may
then use this information to grant security clearance to wristwatch
130 and to initiate any applications that will be necessary in
further communications. PC 600 may then acknowledge that the device
is recognized and communication is accepted ("IBC device
recognized"). Otherwise, PC 600 may return an error, which may
require information to be resubmitted by one or both of wristwatch
130 or mouse 110, or may result in a message on display 410 of
wristwatch 130 regarding connection failure.
If the connection is accepted and wristwatch 130 is identified, PC
600 may further request memory map information from wristwatch 130
("Memory mapping request"). This information may allow applications
on PC 600 to retrieve and update information in wristwatch 130. A
reply including this information may then be forwarded through
mouse 110 to PC 600 ("Memory and file information" and "Memory
mapping"). If at any time during this initial transaction the
connection is broken ("IBC connection broken") mouse 110 may report
that bidirectional communication has been broken ("IBC connection
broken") and the IBC link and applications related to the IBC link
may be disabled or closed on PC 600 ("IBC device closed").
If the initialization connection as previously described proceeds
without error, and the connection is not broken, then a link
between wristwatch 130 and PC 600 is formed through mouse 110, and
information may be exchanged between the two devices. This
information may include data files such as audio files, video
files, scheduling synchronization files, email, etc. that may by
uploaded from and/or downloaded to wristwatch 130. An exemplary
process for reading files is disclosed in FIG. 8B. PC 600 may
request files to be read from wristwatch 130 ("File read"). This
request may be for a particular file or for files of a particular
type, date, size, etc. The request may then transferred to
wristwatch 130 by mouse 110 ("Read command"). Wristwatch 130 may
then send the requested date to mouse 110 ("Data"). Due to the
changing nature of the IBC/planar surface connection between
wristwatch 130 and mouse 110, a confirmation may be sent
("Succeed") to confirm to wristwatch 130 that all information sent
by wristwatch 130 was received by mouse 110. Otherwise, a
retransmission may occur. Mouse 110 may then forward this
information to PC 600 ("File data"). While not shown, PC 600 may
also send information to be stored on wristwatch 130 using a
similar process. Wristwatch 130 may then confirm that the
information sent by PC 600 was received and stored successfully. A
confirmation may be important where the memory of a portable
computing device is limited.
In an exemplary application of the present invention, a user may
interact with computer 600 through pointing device 110 while
wearing portable computing device 130. The user may access an
application or an Internet webpage that contains information
regarding textual information, application data, music and/or video
information ("multimedia" information) for download. Pointing
device 110 may then be used to select the information for download
to portable computing device 130. If computer 600 is aware of the
presence of portable computing device 130, an option may be
presented to download directly to the portable device. The desired
information may then be downloaded through computer 600 and
pointing device 110 to portable computing device 130 through IBC.
Playback may occur later through user interface 416 on portable
computing device 130. In another scenario, information stored on
portable computing device 130 may be transmitted to another device
(e.g., headphones, an MP3 player, another computer 600) via IBC or
another method of transmission encompassed by other interfaces 420
(such as short-range wireless communication, wired communication,
etc.)
FIG. 9A discloses a flowchart describing an exemplary procedure for
establishing a link and exchanging information between portable
computing device 130 and stationary computing device 600 in
accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention.
In step 900, a user wearing portable computing device 130 places
their hand (e.g., the hand/arm containing the device) in contact
with pointing device 110. Portable computing device 130 may then
determine whether an IBC connection is established in step 902. An
exemplary method for detecting the existence of an IBC connection
may be facilitated by pointing device 110 repeatedly transmitting
an IBC pilot signal in a fixed period. This pilot signal may
include a pseudorandom binary sequence recognizable by portable
computing device 130. An example of generating and sending a pilot
signal 950 in accordance with a predetermined protocol is shown in
FIG. 9B. When the IBC pilot signal is detected, portable computing
device 130 may learn at least three pieces of information: IBC
signal strength, synchronization information (e.g., frame
synchronization and chip synchronization information), and access
information (e.g., when to send an access beacon signal). In
monitoring for the IBC pilot signal, portable computing device 130
may learn of the existence of a pointing device 110 that supports
IBC. If no connection is made, then in step 904 portable computing
device 130 may continue to monitor for a connection.
If the connection has been established, then in step 906 portable
computing device 130 may establish a link with stationary computing
device 600. This link establishment may include the identification
of portable computing device 130 and the provision of security
information. Once the link has been established, information as to
the memory mapping and the files contained on portable computing
device 130 may be provided to stationary computing device 600 in
step 908. This information may be used to determine whether
information needs to be exchanged in step 910. In at least one
scenario, information may not need to be exchanged between the
devices if the information on portable computing device 130 is
already current (e.g., it has already been updated). The
information exchange may continue until the exchange is complete or
the connection is broken (step 912). In this case, the process may
return to step 904, wherein the system continues to monitor for the
establishment of a bidirectional connection.
FIG. 10 demonstrates another example of the present invention,
wherein portable computing device 130 is being employed in an
alternative mode. Even when not coupled to mouse 110 (and hence to
computer 600), electrode 406 may still be in contact with the skin
of user 1000. This would be the case, for instance, when device 130
is multifunction device worn on the wrist like a wristwatch. In
such a configuration, electrode 406 may be utilized to send IBC
communication to other portable devices also in contact with the
skin of user 1000. In this example, user 1000 may be wearing
headphones 1002 that are enabled to receive information via IBC,
and as a result, can reproduce audio signals sent via IBC from
portable computing device 130 at a lower power level requirement
than popular forms of wireless communication and without
experiencing interference from environmental factors.
Accordingly, it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant
art that various changes in form a and detail can be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The
breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by
any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims and their
equivalents.
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